Acknowledgement #2

Additionally, I would like to thank the following people for the thoughtful contributions to my kayaking journey:

Barbi....  photographer, family friend, realtor extraordinaire. Thank you for the dry box and "Keys Connections".  Your assistance with my properties, rather deployed overseas, or kayaking, has been so thoughtful and appreciated!

Tim and Janet..... Thank you for the timely connection to Joel and Brandi.  I enjoy the time that I get to spend with you guys in FT. Lauderdale.

Corey.... Thanks for picking me up at the end of my journey.  Spearfishing and motorboating with you was a great way to segway from the kayaking.

Molly..... Thank you for all of the late night chats, inspiration, and intriguing thoughts. I always looked forward to catching up with you while away.

Joel and Brandi.... To the best sailboat hosts!  It was so fun to stay with you guys on your sailboat.  You are a really fun couple and I look forward to future adventures with you.

Thanks to all those who provided thoughtful suppport and light for this trip.  Hope this chapter of my blog adventure provided some enjoyable moments for you.  It has been an honor to share my travel with you.

Signing off.

Jonathan Kincaid

Acknowledgements #1

Many people contributed to making this trip a success. I would to expecially thank the following people:

GMA Aften, thank you for lending me your infinite wisdom on the the trip planning side of the house.  You are incredibly kind, and most appreciated,  to have joined me at Pennekamp for my launch on your 73rd birthday. You are awesome!  Also,thank you for imbuing in my siblings, and I, a love of travel, foreign language, and the arts.... the finer things in life.

GMA and GPA Kincaid, thank you for turning me on to outdoor adventure!  You two are a testimony to all for healthy living.   Your frequent communication and support are always appreciated.  You've taught me the virtues of unconditional love and reliability. I so look forward to hiking in S. Dakota with you!

Hannah.... you are awesome!  I couldn't ask for a more intelligent, fun, and interesting sister.  You've found great symetry between your stimulating work and conscious living.  I'm very proud of you!  The solar panneled cell-phone charger is most valued.  Thank you!

Mom..... thanks for all the great encouragement along the way!  Your text messages and blog sharing were fantastic. I also really appreciated the generous REI gift certificates, that you and Greg provided, which assisted in outfitting my journey.  You have always been so supportive and positive for all of my endeavors.  You are appreciated!

Dad.... Thank you for providing great literature for the journey!  You've always done a great job of ensuring that your children have educative and enriching experiences. Your first book, "Death Walk at Acoma" was dedicated to me...... "To Jonathan, my eldest son, may you always find adventure".   Thank you for all of your support and inspiring/progressive ideas.  I'll continue to find adventure.

Circumnavigation Complete

Yesterday, 06 May, around1230 P.M., I completed my circumnavigation of the Keys at John Pennekamp Park,which served as both start point and terminus to this adventure. I was met by my neighbor/friend Corey. We went out spearfishing and snorkeling from Corey's boat.  It felt damn good to be in a motorboat, and out of the kayak.  I got my first confirmed spearfishing kill.  I speared a "Sheepshead" fish, host to two sizeable fillets.  Corey and I will head back in a week or so to continue the hunt, looking to do a neighborhood "fish fry" after the next one.

I slowed my paddle stroke yesterday, as I flowed in to the channel which runs to Pennekamp. It was hard to believe that this journey was about to end.  After 208 miles, countless paddle strokes, bushwacking to camping sights,  surmountable setbacks (broken GPS) and beauty abounding.... my journey was over, yet just beginning.

Throughout this journey, I met a lot of interesting people.  Many of whom shared that they had always wanted to do something similar, but life, work, etc.... had disallowed them.  This journey was for all of those who are not able to journey,  for reasons imagined or otherwise. 

May we always pursue the courage to adventure, intestinal fortitude to persevere, wisdom to enrich others lives along the way, and open-mindedness to transcend the trappings of a proscribed existence. (JCK)

Less is more.  Live under your means. Happiness, nor true financial freedom, is determined by expensive cars, flashy jewelry, or the latest clothing line.  Build your appreciating assets and let your money money work for you.

Thank you for all of your support for my circumnavigation of the Keys by kayak journey.  I've loved receiving blog feedback from you all. I hope that my blog and travel adventures afforded you some pleasurable moments throughout your days.  Writing about the people and adventures certainly made for a rich/memorable experience, for me.

Please check out my final blog post for an "acknowledgements" page.... a tribute and thank you to all that have assisted, advised, and enriched my journey.

Future adventure's, with accompanying titles, I'm contemplating are:

1.  A Soldier's reflections on the Appallachain Trail
2.  Jonathan motorcycles America (Pacific Northwest concentration w/ Napa Valley tour)
3.  You can have your Paella and it, too (Adventures from Spain).
4.  Jonathan re-discovers the Gringo Trail (Adventures from Mexico"
5. USAA Road-Side Assistance to an 18 Wheeler: country cafes, strawberry wine, catfish, and driving myself to a PhD

Mile Marker 84

I began this morning with breakfast at "Shula's 2" around MM 84 in the "Postcard Inn" marina.  Following a yogurt parfait, bagel, and breakfast potatoes, I will push to complete my circumnavigation of the Keys, today.  Only 20 miles remain to John Pennicamp, start point and terminus to this adventure.

04 May 2014 - Evening Time

As I lie here in my tent, the hour is just past 9:00 p.m. I've bushwacked again for my camping spot.  I'm pleased, having found a grassy knoll on the shoreline to pitch my tent, very comfortable and free.  It's hard to believe that I've almost finished a circumnavigation of the Keys by kayak.  I believe myself to be around MM 85.  My starting and ending point, John Pennekamp, is at MM 104.  I anticipate finishing this journey tomorrow evening or the following morning.  This has been an incredible journey.  There are many great people to which I'm thankful.  (Credits page and future adventure update still to come:-)

I'm looking forward to my return to FT Lauderdale.  Upon return, I plan to revel in a cozy bed, my guitar, and a good book.  Then I will embark upon a 48 hr meditation/fast to fully complete and reflect upon this kayaking journey.

Long Key State Park "Remote Camping"

Long Key State Park for "remote camping" is totally the way to go.  I paid $8.13 for my remote camping spot, which is a wooden deck elevated above the mangrove, accessible either by kayak, or a long wooden bridge.  The sight is joined by great nature trails, and a conveniance store only a 1/2 mile N. Down the road on US 1.  Great price, remote camping on platforms, friendly Park Ranger.... Long Key State Park "remote camping" sights are the way to go.  The park is located around MM 67 just off of US 1.

Brandi, Joel, and Sahara Dust

Last night, darkness quickly approaching, I was met by family friends Joel and Brandi fromthe top of their dock.  Joel was scouting for me.  Joel and Brandi are incredibly fun, hospitable, and free-spirited. They hosted me on their beautiful sailboat, "Sahara Dust".  Brandi and Joel both work in the IT field, smart folk who live in their sailboat year round, comfortable accomodation, too! 

Last night we went to Sparky"s Bar and Grille for good convo., live music, fish tacos, flatbread salad, and beers.  This morning, over coffee, Joel pariently taught me the "big three" of knot tying: bowline, clove hitch, and cleat hitch.  I'm feeling much more knowledgeable and confident in my knot tying skills.  Thanks CPT Joel! Brandi made us breakfast burritos this morning, delicious and hearty.

Janet, thank you for connecting Joel, Brandi, and me!  Joel and Brandi are great people and wonderful hosts.
After reviewing the maps, Long Key State Park is the goal for today.  It hosts tent camping.

Pictures below include: Joel, Brandi, me holding a freshly tied Bowline knot, and Sahara Dust

Celebration at the Sunset Grille and Raw Bar

After finishing a gruelling paddle of the waters spanning the 7 Mile Bridge, which connects Ohio Key to Marathon Key, I've landed for celebratory sushi, beers, and a swim at the "Sunset Grille and Rawbar". (MM 49).  I'll put in some more miles today, planning to continue to stay on the Gulf Side, which is far less choppy.

Bahia Honda State Park (Bilge Break)

With 20 knot winds and whitecaps, kayaking the Atlantic was a battle this morning. Continuing on the Atlantic side today lies in the pause between"screw" and "that".   I'll continue on the Bay side, today.  Winds are forecasted to die down tomorrow.

I've found Bahia Honda State Park, from where I currently write.  After a coffee, protein rich tuna sandwhich, and a powerade; I'm ready to hit the seas again. 

Pictures are of Bahia Honda State Park (MM 38)

Mile Marker 35

I continue to kayak north along the Atlantic.  I've stopped for the evening around mile marker 35, which was five miles short of my goal for today.  I think the late start and leisurely breakfast at "Mangrove Mamas" put me a bit behind  my usual pace of 20 miles per day.  I've found a great camping spot, hiked out to an enjoyable dinner, and plan to rise early for another 20 miler tomorrow.  I scored a beautiful conch shell while kayaking the flats in low tide today.

Hardcore Pineapples.... We do it right!

I just stopped for an organic pineapple lunch w/ almonds at a beach spot around MM 28. New discovery on how to most enjoyably eat a pineapple.... skin it, and eat around the core, rotating it like corn on the cob.  No more of these dainty fork and knife bites.  I bit in deep, getting succulent juicy mouthfulls of this pulpy fruit, and it was so enjoyable.  One can rotate it around, eating to the core, choosing along the way which fun juicy bites to take.  Perhaps I'll start a food truck selling "pineapples on the cob".  Any ideas on brand names?  Perhaps I'll roll it into my LLC.  I'm thinking "Hardcore Pineapples.... We do it right!"  Any interested investors.... talk to me.  We can get this going for 10-15K.

Mangrove Mama's

Mangrove Mama's,  nestled in at mile marker 20 is home to an outstanding breakfast, friendly waitstaff, and breezy outdoor/covered patios; I highly recommend dropping by Mangrove Mama's on your way down to Key West (MM 20) just south of the bridge on the west side of the road. (Pictures below)

So, I arrived at the Sugerloaf KOA campground around 6:00 P.M. last night.  My intent was pure and prudent.  I just wanted to drop by The KOA restaurant, in order to calorie binge before heading out to find another camp sight I could bushwack too. Well folks, I sucombed to the KOA laundry facility, showers, aloe vera sunburn gel, and 10% military discount.  My time in Key West has made me weak, and easily succeptable to the allure of fresh water to bathe and wash my clothes in. 

Okay, time to hit the kayaking trail today!  I'll remain oceanside.  My goal is another 20 miles, today, putting me around MM 40 by nightfall.

I've been getting great feedback on this blog! If you have any questions/comments, feel free to send them directly to my personal e-mail:  Jonathan.Kincaid1@yahoo.com

20 Mile Marker

Today felt like a long, grueling day in the kayak.  However, it was the best day day for nature sightings, yet.  This morning, around 8:00 A.M. I pulled in to a small cove. The waves/current had been intense.I needed to hydrate and rest after two hard hours of paddling.  The shore was a bit eerie. Welcoming me on land was what I believe to be a decapitated barricuda head.  This fish head  had an absessed tooth, almost like a horn, protruding from its head, pre-historic looking.  I also saw two sizeable crabs hanging out on the shore. Heading back out to the ocean, I was admittedly battling to get past the break.  In conditions like these, I keep it as close to the shore as possible for safety reasons. I had made it not 25 feet out, when I discerned a sizeable shadow in a wave.  Excited, I thought I was about to have another stingray sighting. Then the sharks dorsal fincame out of the water.   Shit!  Paddle! Paddle! Disengage!  Paddle! Paddle!  I'm not positive on the size of the shark, probably 7-8 ft.  But I can tell you it made me, paddling a 10ft. Kayak, divert paths quickly.  I was amazed at the size of the shark, considering our close proximity to shore.  A bit further north I had a great dolphin exchange.  The dolphin flipped over and I could see him clapping hissmallbellysideflippers. He followed me for a bit.  Finally, I saw two pink flamengos take flight out of the mangroves.  I've found my camping spot for the evening; I'm feeling drained.  I intend to wake up early tomorrow and put another 20 miles behind me.  Look forward to joining family friends Joel/Brandi on the waters outside of Marathon the following day (Friday).

Exnay on the KOA Campgrounday

I just phoned ahead to the KOA campground on Sugerloaf, in order to make a tent camping reservation.  The reservation attendent informed the the price to pitch a tent for one night, with no hook-ups, is $73.  That is exorbitant!  Is this a federally owned campground or private? 

Oh well, thank you KOA, for you have steered me towards pitching my tent in remote territory, with the only price being my labor and$1 of Off bug repellent. I'll even have the sounds of nature!

"Danger" Eco-Tour; Key West

The "Danger eco-tour"is the way to explore the pristine waters around Key West.  Adventure guides Dale and Wade took our small group out on a beautiful wooden sailboat named "Danger".  In route, Wade CPT'd the boat while Dale regailed us with the history of Key West commerce and marine life, which was a stimulating way to sail out.  We proceeded to dawn "Adventure"s" snorkel gear and Dale led a marine life tour.  We saw nurse sharks, a giant stingray, lobster, angel fish, and a variety of small fish.  We also toured around an island by kayak.  I know.... more kayaking.....what was I thinking!  It was great, and enjoyable to go at a leisurely pace.  The boat was stocked with Yuengling, wine, and spirits.  The guys also cut up gratuitous amounts of fresh fruit, had a zesty salsa on hand, and wonderful Sabra hummus, both pinenut and chili pepper.   After the eco tour, I returned to Adam and Maggie's house.  Adam and I wrote two songs w/ lyrics on the guitar: "Soot Foot", a testimony to the condition one's feet acquires when they are your only carriage around Key West (emancipating) and "Lawn Gnome Girl" a testimony to Adam and his fiance Maggie.  Adam and Maggie will be departing Key West this July, in order to persue their dream of playing music for a living while touring the U.S.

I depart Key West tomorrow.  I've decided that Boulder, CO and Key West, FL are my two favorite cities in the U.S. Key West is chalk full of eccentrics, bohemian restaurants, and a truly vibrant and alive culture, coupled with ideal weather, ensconced in natural beauty.  I understand why Hemingway called it home.

Acro-Yoga on Key West

Today I sojourned into Acro-Yoga, which stands for acrobatic yoga.  I highly recommend it; the possibilities here are endless. The pictures below are as follows:

Pic # 1: I'm providing a base for Maggie, as she perfects the "flying woman"

Pic #2: Adam, Maggie's fiance, provides a base while I work on my "flying man"

Up, up in the air Junior bird man, flying high over the mountains, over the tree trops.  It's a bird, it's a plain, no.... I think it's flying man.

Ernest Hemingway's House- Key West, FL

Earnest Hemingway's home is an open, airy, and inspiring location.  Pictures below include Hemingway's study, where he did much of his writing.  Always a man of sport a leisure, Hemingway had a fantastic sprawling pool.  I was also able to fine one a Hemingway cat descendent sleeping in the garden.  I find the living cats to be more interesting than Hemingway's cat cemetary.  I was reminded that during WWI, Hemingway was an Italian military ambulance driver, not U.S., as I had previously thought.  Evidently, poor health had precluded him from U.S. military service in WWI.

Maggie Mae

I met my new buddie, Maggie, at her place of work, the "Help Yourself, Oganic Cafe/Juice Bar/ Market, where I enjoyed a great organic breakfast on Key West.  Maggie and her fiance are into Acro-Yoga (acrobatic yoga) and playing music.  I loof forward to trying out acro-yoga.  Maggie and I have the Kansas connection.  Maggie is from Hutchinson KS and I'm from Olathe.

Fort Zachary Taylor- Key West

The trails around Fort Zachary Taylor are great for biking or walking.  I chose to bike.   Fort Zachary Taylor is a haunting tribute to U.S. Naval history.  With a great view of the sea, its structural integrity is well maintained.   While at the Fort, one can expect to see ancient corridors with cannons facing out to sea, an example of an 1842 communal comode, multiple brigs, sleeping quarters, and a colloseum of a courtyard.

Key West Iconic Landmarks

After procuring my bi-pedal transportation, I headed out to the following two iconic Key West landmarks.  It feels good to be travelling by leg/foot....  My shoulders/arms/biceps are revelling in the temporary usage reprieve.

Landmark #1:  The southermost point of the United. States, denoted by the multi-colored cylindrical cone.  Cuba is 90 miles out from here.  Any interested sponsors for a kayak to Cuba trip?  It could be a philanthropic adventure/ tax write off...... come on guys!     When I was commercial fishing for Halibut in the Bearing Sea, we cruised way out on the Alutian islands.  According to " Cpt John", we were two days by boat from Russia.  This is as for North in the U.S. that I plan to make it.  Now I've traveled to the southernmost destination:-)

Landmark #2:  Mile marker 0 on HWY 1.  This is where HWY 1 ends.  " this is the end, my only friend, the end". (Jim Morrison). "The end is our only guarantee, best to be self-actualized in the meantime" (JCK)

Going Mobile

As I was on an, "explore Key West" walk this morning, a Conch (one born in Key West) by the name of James,harkened to me from his porch, "wanna by a bike for 20 bucks?"  My Superego ingrained response was "no thank you". I continued down the block.  Then I had an epiphany..... bi-pedal mobility is just whar I need to explore Key West!  I turned around and struck James a deal.  So... I rented the bike for $10.  I'll return the bike to James on Monday.  Feeling like Igot another killer deal?  Bikes rent around here for $25 bucks around here, plus all the bullshit paperwork.  With james, I just laid 10 bucks in his palm and the bike is mine for the weekend; Now James, if this ends up being a stolen bicycle, that's you to my left in the picture below:-) James is a very nice Conch and I believe him to be an honest salesman.

Key West Arrival!

Last night was munemental.  After embarking by kayak from John Pennekamp on 19 APR 2014, I landed on the southernmost tip of Key West, 25 APR 2014.  My landing was far from ordinary, and "kayak trail magic" was present.  So, far from my previous knowledge, the Southern Point of Key West is Officer housing for our South and Central American military coalition partners.  After locking my kyak to a tree, I sauntered over to Louis, a Navy Pilot from Panama,and his wife's home. Louis informed me they thought I was a Navy Seal practicing a beach landing; not sure if the beard, fluency in Spanish, 6 ft, or the speargun convinced them of this.  Lousis asked for my military I.D.  Fortunately, I had it in my dry box.  Louis's wife informed me that there was a Navy Hotel close by.  How fortuitous!  Louis drove me over to the Navy Gateway Inn and Suites, located on Naval Air Station Key West, FL.  I've checked in at the lap of luxury through this Monday Morning.  I'm nursing a bit of sunburn,  a right shoulder which feels like pins have been inserted into it, and a diaper rash on my arse which puts a section 8 housing diaper rash to shame.
 
Notes:  1. Sitting in a wet kayak for six days is not conducive to fending off rashes.

2. Navy Gateway Inn and Suites (Key West) is the best deal going on Key West..... $60 a night for a fantastic room, recently renovated, equipped with Kurig machine stocked w/ coffee pods, free laundry, friendly staff, etc....  People are paying $300-500 a night for accomodations on or near Duval street, which is within five blocks of the Navy Gateway.

3.  I look forward to playing U.S. diplomat to Louis and his wife this evening; I'm taking them out to dinner.  They are an incredibly kind Panamanian partner Officer family, who exhibited extreme genuine helpfulness and kindness towards me, a U.S. Army Officer.  Apparently, I missed the "U.S. Navy property Stay 100 Feet Away" sign, posted on the shoreline to our allies military housing neighborhood.   The current there around the southern  tip of Key West is serriously strong willed.  Must have some Army SOCOM pull to it;-)  Fuck ya!

Pictures below were taken of me upon arrival to the Gateway hotel: sunburnt, exhausted, dirty.... and happy as hell to have arrived for some R & R.

Sugerloaf KOA Campground = Narcotics Anonymous "Spiritual Retreat"

Last night, after chatting with Jerry and Nancy, I headed on S. To the KOA campground on Sugerloaf. I landed on the sand volleyball court.  I was met by a beautiful women who had never kayaked.  I gave her a quick lesson, and she was a natural.  When I made my way to the office, the attendent informed me that the KOA was closed to the public, as "narcotics anonymous" was hosting a spiritual retreat.  Needless to say, I don't believe this crew planned to smoke any paote around the campfire on this evening.   I headed south.  I'm currently around mile marker 20.  Key West or bust, today!

Jerry, Nancy, and Peekaboo

As I write from my tent, on the morning of 4/26, the last 36 hrs have been full of adventure, chance encounters, and interesting happenings. I wasn't tired the evening of the 24th, so I decided to continue kayaking into the night. Night Land navigation on the Gulf proved exceedingly difficult.  My energy and time are better spent kayaking during the daylight hours.  The Gulf side hosts a labrinthe of islands, being caught in between them without a GPS, and attemptint to terrain associate by night is not recommended.  Night kayaking is much easier on the Atlantic side.   Yesterday, I had the good fortune of meeting Jerry, Nancy, and their dog Peekaboo.  The trio is from New Jersey, winter on the island of Cudjoe, and will return to NJ next week.  Jerry and Nancy invited me to join me on their dock, I most enjoyed the chat.  Nancy re-filled my water jug (w/ ice), made me a delicious sandwhich, and I drank a beer with Jerry.  Good karma for these kind folks!
Jerry and Nancy have the honor of naming the two islands across the bay from them: the islands of "Out Key" and "venture Key", collectively known as the "venture out" keys". (Pictured below).    Jerry and Nancy went through the bureau of terrain features in D.C.  All said, it took about 1 1/2 yrs to get their islands named.  Jerry wrote the following poem about his islands: Venture Out Keys, Oh little Islands off shore, you never had a name before, to go through life is such a state, would surely be a big mistake, think of all the sunrises you have seen, and all the sunsets in between,of all the boats that have passed you by, and all the sunsets in the sky,all the birds that called you home, until they left the world to roam, Venture Key and Outkey too, are the names I chose for you, Let's hope that they will suit you fine, and be with you until the end of time.  ( written by Gerald Nixon)

Marathon to the 7 Mile Bridge and Beyond

Today was a Marathon kayaking session, repleit with interesting sightings, both in and out of the water.  A stingray, with white spots on its back, two nurse sharks,  and a sea turtle were today's marine sightings.  The sea turtle was of particular interest, as it popped up beside my boat to say hello.   Then I Kayaked along the 7 mile hi-way.  I've landed in Big Pine Key.... mile marker 31, which denotes 71 miles down, 31 miles to go fow Key West.  I'll be leaving " Springer's Bar" now, in order to do chip away at the 31 miles.  I'll find an island to sleep on tonight.  My goal is to be in a cozy hotel in Key West tomorrow night, with time to relax and explore Fort Zachary the following day.

Three Amigos and the Wooden Spoon

Around 9:00 this morning I was ravenous, having already paddled for three hrs.  I saw some laborers outside working on a dock, so I pulled up, hoping to receive directions to a restaurant.  Able to utilize my Spanish, I chatted up Jose and his crew of two.   Jose gave me a ride to the iconic "Wooden Spoon" restaurant on Marathon.  The Wooden Spoon has been in existence since 1952, and under its name since 1973.  Enjoyed a Spinich omelette, picked up some eloctrolyte heavy drinks, and headed back out to sea.

Kayakingto Marathon

Yesterday, 4/23,  on my way to Marathon, I had the pleasure of meeting surfer 'Jackie' and her amazing water dog 'Buka'.... who seemed the antithesis of 'dhuka', as he happilly frolicked about the water.  Jackie was in no need of a tug boat back to shore, as she's trained Buka to tug her back.  Jackie spends her days, no more than 2-3 per week, substitute teaching in marathon and property managing for a Canadian doctor on Conch Key.  Great person, enjoying life with her canine.  Jackie and her partner have resided on Conch Key since 1992.